The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
"Very good indeed” said Rachel approvingly. "And now, down on your knees. But what
is it you wish to ask for?”
"What dare I ask for?” murmured Humphrey as he slowly sank into the prescribed
posture.
“Oh, I don't know,” returned Rachel hastily, for she began to feel uncomfortable at the
unfeigned ardour of his tone and gaze. "A flower, perhaps; but be quick and let us have
done with it.”
"May I not ask to kiss her hand?" pleaded Humphrey.
“If she gives you the flower it will be time enough to think about that."
Just as the request was formulated, with due humility and an earnestness which could
not but flatter the recipient, the door opened and in walked Edward Gifford. At sight of
his start of astonishment and sudden flush of jealous anger, and Humphrey's
discomfiture at being caught in such a position, Rachel became suddenly possessed by a
very demon of mischief.
“Remain where you are," she said authoritatively to Humphrey, then turning to young
Gifford, "we are playing a kind of game here. Would you like to join us?"
Edward's brow cleared to a certain extent, but he still looked suspiciously at Humphrey.
He crossed the room rapidly and stood by Rachel. The effect of his morning's potations
had evaporated, save for a certain unusual irritability and excitement. "What is the
game?" he cried. “I will join with all my heart."
“Why, I am teaching my cousin how he must ask a
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lady for a flower. He is trying, as you see, to make his request with the best possible
grace”
“Come, if there is a flower to be given away I will put in my claim,” cried Gifford.
"Nay, but not in so fierce or rude a fashion. See my cousin Humphrey on his knees —
you must outdo him in courtesy and excellence of persuasion if the flower is to be
awarded to you. Now, let us, see who will ask most prettily.”
Gifford threw himself on his knees and clasped his hands together; Humphrey laughed
and extended his. Rachel looked demurely from one to the other, and then slowly drew